Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
A few days ago, it has been nine months since I relocated to London. Although this isn’t a lengthy period, I have gained considerable insights. London is an energetic city, not only due to its varied housing options but also because of the communities residing here. Students have numerous choices available to them. Both student residences and private accommodations provide a range of selections such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and single rooms, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly arrange apartment viewings, while platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential housing online, review the amenities, and identify the nearest public transport services.
In my quest for a living space, I targeted a room for rent in Central London to stay close to key attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London boasts an outstanding transportation network, featuring the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating easy travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses since crossing zones could cost up to £5.25 daily. I decided to walk short distances rather than utilize a bus or tube. Nevertheless, Oyster card fares have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend to areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside the central area. Prices for inter-zone travel on these services fluctuate based on distance and the particular fare system of each train provider. Central London is teeming with major attractions, contributing to expensive living costs. Luckily, I enrolled in university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which greatly decreased our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to interact with peers from assorted backgrounds and the same age group, a combination less common in privately rented properties.
Being near grocery stores was essential for me. Prominent supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more economical options such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland available. Being close to necessary stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, especially during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood is a complex task. London’s ethnic communities form an integral aspect of its cultural identity, presenting a vibrant array of diverse neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for the comfort of their homeland. Southall, located in West London, features a large South Asian population with Indian dining establishments, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music environment. Chinatown, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community neighborhoods.
The optimal areas to reside in London are influenced by personal interests and requirements. When hunting for a new residence in London, appreciate the diversity and wealth of accommodation options, delve into cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and thrill of this extraordinary city.